2025 Membership Form

Dragonheart Vermont membership runs from Jan 1 - Dec 31.

Dragonheart Vermont strives to strengthen and empower breast cancer survivors & supporters through the challenging sport of dragon boating, instilling in its members the values of teamwork, fitness & community giving.

Questions? Please email info@dragonheartvermont.org

Step 1 of 3

My Dragonheart member status is:(Required)
- New member
- I first joined AFTER the 2024 LCBDF
- I first joined BEFORE the 2024 LCDBF
How did you hear about / become interested in joining Dragonheart Vermont? (Check all that apply)
- I participated in the Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival
- I participated in a "Try Paddling" event
- Social Media
- Front Porch Forum
- Friends/Family recommendation
- DHVT member recommendation
- Health care provider recommendation
Personal Information
Legal Name(Required)
First Middle (optional) Last
Nickname (optional)
Address(Required)
Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code
Which Vermont county do you live in?
Cell Phone(Required)
Email(Required)
Note: We collect your email for membership mailings / newsletters via MailChimp.
Receive DHVT Member emails?
We send out periodic email notifications to members to alert them of club activities, practice schedules & cancellations, and other news we believe will be of interest to the membership.
- Yes
- No, I'd like to opt out of member emails
Personal Pronouns (optional)
If you'd like to share your preferences for personal pronouns with us, please add them below.
Contact Information Privacy
Please be aware that your coach(es) will have access to your date of birth age and the above contact information.
- I consent to share the above contact information with other DHVT members
Employment
We ask for this information to use for networking/contacts with specific organizations and to know who might be able to help DHVT with a specific skill set.

You may list up to four current (or former) employers by clicking the + sign at the right. Please indicate in the role column if this is a former employer.
Company Name Current or former role
Please select any that may apply (optional):
We ask for this information because it helps us to understand our membership and may help us to apply for grant funding to support specific groups within our organization.
- Breast Cancer Survivor
- Cancer Survivor (other than breast cancer)
It looks like you might qualify for our reduced membership fees for NEW members (including those who joined us after the Festival in 2024) who are breast cancer survivors. If that's the case, be sure to select the $100 New BCS Member option below.
Please list any special circumstances that coaches and trainers need to be aware of to make a reasonable accommodation for you to safely participate in our fitness programs.
Annual Membership Dues
Membership runs January 1 - December 31.
See Membership Benefits section for more information.

Membership types:
• Paddler: You plan to paddle at practices. Races and mini-camps are optional for paddlers and may be at an additional cost.
• New Breast Cancer Member: Qualification: This is your first full year as a DHVT member AND you are a breast cancer survivor. You plan to paddle at practices. Races and mini-camps are optional for paddlers and may be at an additional cost.
• Associate Paddler: Qualification: A paddler who is a member of another dragon boat team and who will compete with DHVT in national or international competitions when their primary team is not participating. Full rules and paperwork requirements will be posted on the DHVT member site as soon as they are released by USBDF.
• Non-Paddler: You do not plan to paddle but continue to enjoy the camaraderie and positive community impact afforded by being a DHVT member. You can upgrade to Paddler at any time.
• Youth / Student: Qualification: Enrolled in school and between the ages of 14 and 24. Races and mini-camps are optional and may be at an additional cost.
• Sisters for Life: Qualification: An alumnae group comprised of BCS paddlers who are no longer paddling for Dragonheart Vermont in any capacity, and who are no longer full members of Dragonheart Vermont.
•Stage 4 BCS Metastatic: Qualification: Classified with advanced (stage 4) breast cancer. Stage 4 Metastatic breast cancer is when cancer cells have spread from the breast to other parts of the body. Races and mini-camps are optional and may be at an additional cost.
• Team Coach: Qualification: Approved by DHVT’s Head Coach to be steering and/or coaching a crew this season.
• Lifetime Member: Qualification: Awarded by the DHVT Board of Directors for their commitment to the organization.
• Post Festival Member (available for purchase after August 2, 2025):Qualification: A first-time DHVT paddler joining after the 2025 Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival. Members have access to all DHVT benefits beginning the Monday after the first weekend in August and are not eligible to participate in 2025 USDBF Nationals or World competitions.
Select Your Membership Type(Required)
Please be sure to read the descriptions above if you have any questions about your membership type.
- Paddler ($300)
- New Member who is a breast cancer survivor ($100)
- Associate Paddler ($150)
- Non-Paddler ($100)
- Youth/Student (14-24) ($25)
- Sisters for Life ($10)
- Stage 4 BCS Metastatic (free)
- Team Coach (free)
- Lifetime Member (free)
Crew Determination
Dragonheart Vermont (DHVT) affirms and promotes participation in all of its activities without regard to race, color, sex, disability, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or national origin. Crew determination and eligibility, however, requires disclosure of gender and age because the United States Dragon Boat Federation (USDBF) determines racing crews by gender and age, as well as in special interest divisions. Special interest classifications include BCP (Breast Cancer Paddlers) among others. Dragonheart Vermont follows the USDBF criteria for team placement. Click here to view the different dragon boat racing classifications.
Age as of December 31, 2025 (NOTE THE DATE--it's not today!!!)(Required)
Will be shared with coaches for placement on age specific crews.
Gender(Required)
Used for team placement and compliance with USDBF and IDBF policies on single and mixed gender crews.
I would like to paddle in the following division(s) (You may select more than one):(Required)
- Women's
- Open (typically men, but can be any gender)
- Mixed (even numbers of male and female PADDLERS)
- Breast Cancer Paddlers (can be any gender)
I would travel to race (check all that apply):(Required)
- Locally
- Regionally
- Nationally
- Internationally
- Not at all
I want to paddle:(Required)
- Competitively (emphasis on racing)
- Recreationally (emphasis on personal fitness)
- I'm not sure--I need to learn more about the difference
Dragonheart Vermont will attempt to accommodate your above preferences. In addition to meeting qualifying criteria for special interest group divisions, assignment will be made by the Head Coach and team coach(es) based on your preferences, fair fitness testing, your commitment through attendance and participation, and some age-based parameters.

For example, a Breast Cancer Survivor can certainly paddle in another division with approvals by the Head Coach and team coach.

Read about our crews and their histories on the Our Crews page.
Volunteerism
Dragonheart Vermont is a non-profit organization. Volunteers keep our organization running smoothly and aid us in accomplishing our mission. In addition to team volunteerism at community and fundraising events, we ask members to help in various areas of the organization. Expectations include sharing the Dragonheart Vermont mission through participation in DHVT community events including Practice Weekend and the Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival.
Volunteerism:(Required)
Volunteerism is a core value of Dragonheart Vermont. We need a lot of help putting on the festival each year, and our volunteers are fundamental for a successful event.
- I pledge to volunteer for Practice Weekend (PW) (July 19-20, 2025)
- I pledge to volunteer for the Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival (LCBDF)(August 3, 2025)
- I pledge to form a community team for the Festival and raise money or some other form of fundraising
- I wish to volunteer in other ways
- I do not wish to volunteer
Everyone has something to offer--how can you contribute to DHVT? Select all that apply.(Required)
- I'm a good worker bee--just tell me what to do
- Administration: Attorney
- Administration: Contract review (waivers, employment, etc.)
- Administration: Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
- Administration: Finance
- Administration: Human Resources
- Administration: Leadership
- Administration: Project Management
- Administration: Spreadsheets and Data
- Dragonboating: Carpentry / boat-related skills
- Dragonboating: Coaching (new or returning)
- Dragonboating: CPR or First Aid certified and/or AED trained
- Dragonboating: Steering (new or returning)
- Fundraising
- Health and wellness: Certified personal trainer
- Health and Wellness: Homeopathy
- Health and Wellness: Fitness instructor
- Health and Wellness: Nutrition
- Health and Wellness: Physical therapist
- Health and Wellness: Yoga teacher
- IT: Microsoft & Teams
- IT: Hardware
- Marketing: Copywriting and proofing
- Marketing: Email Marketing
- Marketing: Event Planning & Management
- Marketing: Photography/ videography
- Marketing: Public relations
- Marketing: Social Media
- Marketing: Website Management (CMS)
- Membership: Recruitment
- Membership: Welcome new members
- Membership: Mentor
- Other
Please describe your other area of interest in helping DHVT.
Corporate sponsorships help sustain our organization!
If you have an acquaintance that you believe we should approach regarding sponsorship, please provide contact details below.

Provide more than one (up to four) by clicking the + sign at the right.
Company Name Name Email
Liability
Consent(Required)
This Agreement is made between Dragonheart Vermont, Inc., (“Dragonheart”, “DHVT”), the City of Burlington (“City”), or other site where Dragonheart Vermont is using their dragon boats and/or equipment and the person that has signed this form below (“I”).
I. Background
I recognize that dragon boating and almost any paddle sport activity is a strenuous activity. In consideration of Dragonheart’s permitting me to utilize its equipment and facilities to engage in paddle sport activities I have provided Dragonheart and the City with this Waiver of Liability and Hold Harmless Agreement. “Paddle sport activities,” as used in this Agreement, shall include dragon boating, canoeing, outrigger canoeing, and kayaking, as well as any necessarily related activities, such as loading in and unloading from the paddle craft, waiting on the docks or surrounding areas to participate in paddle sport activities, and any fitness programs sponsored by DHVT.
II. Assumption of Risk/Warranty
• I understand that paddle sport activities involve physical exertion. I understand that if my physical condition is incompatible with paddle sport activities, I should seek medical advice before undertaking paddle sport activities. If I enter the boat, I assume the risk if I should suffer some sort of physical ailment.
• I understand that paddle sports involve inherent risks. These risks may include capsizing, collision with other boats, sudden climatic changes that may create dangerous conditions on the water; lightning; exposure to wind, sun, and cold; steering misjudgments by the steersperson; slipping and falling while loading and unloading, and a variety of other risks. I understand these risks and freely assume them.
• I warrant that I will at all times correctly wear a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) while using Dragonheart Vermont’s equipment.
• I will follow, at minimum, any CDC protocols for communicable diseases issued by the event location or the State of Vermont.
III. Waiver of Liability
I agree to waive my right to sue Dragonheart Vermont and the City of Burlington, or other sites, as well as any of their respective directors, officers, employees, coaches, steerspersons, volunteers, or representatives in the event of my accidental death or injury while engaged in paddle sport activities.
IV. Hold Harmless/Indemnification
In the event that my own actions should cause property damage or personal injury to any third party while engaged in paddle sport activities, I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Dragonheart and the City of Burlington, or other sites from the claims of the injured third parties.
V. Photo Release
I understand that there may be photos & videos taken while participating in Dragonheart Vermont activities. Dragonheart Vermont has my permission to use these media in their members’ only and external marketing materials, including social media sites, without remuneration. I understand that I can make a written request to remove media that includes my image.
VI. Binding Agreement
This agreement shall be binding on me, my estate, and on any person or organization that seeks to make a claim through me. I understand that, in consideration of this Agreement, I will be able to participate in a Dragonheart Vermont activity as a member and that I will be able to use the equipment and facilities of Dragonheart Vermont, the City of Burlington and any other site in connection with Dragonheart sponsored paddle sport activities.

If the Participant is a minor, this form must be signed by the minor’s parent or guardian.
I have read and understand this Agreement. I am not relying on any oral statements that are contrary to what is stated in this Agreement. I am aware that, by signing this Agreement, I am giving up my right to sue Dragonheart Vermont, Inc., the City of Burlington, or other sites.
Liability for Youth Paddlers
If paddler is under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must agree to the Release of Liability. Please enter the name of the parent or guardian completing this form below.
Current Age of Paddler(Required)
- Under 18
- 18 or older
Name of Parent/Legal Guardian
New in 2024 : We have added a photo release section in the waiver, so you should probably take a look at it.
Consent(Required)
This Agreement is made between Dragonheart Vermont, Inc., (“Dragonheart”, “DHVT”), the City of Burlington (“City”), or other site where Dragonheart Vermont is using their dragon boats and/or equipment and the person that has signed this form below (“I”).
I. Background
I recognize that dragon boating and almost any paddle sport activity is a strenuous activity. In consideration of Dragonheart’s permitting me to utilize its equipment and facilities to engage in paddle sport activities I have provided Dragonheart and the City with this Waiver of Liability and Hold Harmless Agreement. “Paddle sport activities,” as used in this Agreement, shall include dragon boating, canoeing, outrigger canoeing, and kayaking, as well as any necessarily related activities, such as loading in and unloading from the paddle craft, waiting on the docks or surrounding areas to participate in paddle sport activities, and any fitness programs sponsored by DHVT.
II. Assumption of Risk/Warranty
• I understand that paddle sport activities involve physical exertion. I understand that if my physical condition is incompatible with paddle sport activities, I should seek medical advice before undertaking paddle sport activities. If I enter the boat, I assume the risk if I should suffer some sort of physical ailment.
• I understand that paddle sports involve inherent risks. These risks may include capsizing, collision with other boats, sudden climatic changes that may create dangerous conditions on the water; lightening; exposure to wind, sun, and cold; steering misjudgments by the steersperson; slipping and falling while loading and unloading, and a variety of other risks. I understand these risks and freely assume them.
• I warrant that I will at all times correctly wear a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) while using Dragonheart Vermont’s equipment.
• I will follow, at minimum, any CDC protocols for communicable diseases issued by the event location or the State of Vermont.
III. Waiver of Liability
I agree to waive my right to sue Dragonheart Vermont and the City of Burlington, or other sites, as well as any of their respective directors, officers, employees, coaches, steerspersons, volunteers, or representatives in the event of my accidental death or injury while engaged in paddle sport activities.
IV. Hold Harmless/Indemnification
In the event that my own actions should cause property damage or personal injury to any third party while engaged in paddle sport activities, I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Dragonheart and the City of Burlington, or other sites from the claims of the injured third parties.
V. Photo Release
I understand that there may be photos & videos taken while participating in Dragonheart Vermont activities. Dragonheart Vermont has my permission to use these media in their members’ only and external marketing materials, including social media sites, without remuneration. I understand that I can make a written request to remove media that includes my image.
VI. Binding Agreement
This agreement shall be binding on me, my estate, and on any person or organization that seeks to make a claim through me. I understand that, in consideration of this Agreement, I will be able to participate in a Dragonheart Vermont activity as a member and that I will be able to use the equipment and facilities of Dragonheart Vermont, the City of Burlington and any other site in connection with Dragonheart sponsored paddle sport activities.

If the Participant is a minor, this form must be signed by the minor’s parent or guardian.
I have read and understand this Agreement. I am not relying on any oral statements that are contrary to what is stated in this Agreement. I am aware that, by signing this Agreement, I am giving up my right to sue Dragonheart Vermont, Inc., the City of Burlington, or other sites.
Membership Benefits and Pledge
Membership Benefits:
PADDLERS
~ Regularly scheduled water practices and workshops (in season)
~ Team and individual dragon boat coaching
~ Team building
~ Use of boats, paddles and butt pads (in season)
~ Eligibility to participate in dragon boat festivals / races (may have additional costs)
~ Improved endurance and fitness
~ Fundraising opportunities to offset race expenses
~ Access to Off Season Training (OST) program and other wellness sessions sponsored by DHVT (additional cost)
~ Community involvement and awareness
~ Access to discounts at local retailers and service providers

NON-PADDLERS
~ Access to Off Season Training (OST) program and other wellness sessions sponsored by DHVT (additional cost)
~ Community involvement and awareness
~ Access to discounts at local retailers and service providers
As a Dragonheart Member, I pledge to:
~ Follow the mission of strengthening and empowering breast cancer survivors & supporters through the challenging sport of dragon boating.
~ Instill the organization’s core values of teamwork, fitness and community giving.
~ Attend membership meetings and practices regularly.
~ Volunteer at DHVT fundraising and community events.
~ Help the organization maintain the positive energy throughout the membership and community.
Agree to the Member's Pledge(Required)
I agree to the Dragonheart Member's Pledge

Payment and Next Steps
After you submit this form, you will be directed to our payment page. If your membership status entitles you to a free membership, just close out of the payment page after submitting the form.
Members that pay in full at the time of renewal and before May 1, 2025 will have the benefit of saving the cost of credit card fees. Membership fees are non-refundable.

All payment plans include associated credit card fees as do memberships paid after May 1st. Payment plans are available through May 1, after which payment must be made in full at the time of registration.
You should receive an email with a copy of this form and a transaction receipt (be sure to check your junk mail if you don't see them promptly).
Optional payment plans are available for any membership type costing $100 or more for the year. These options require equal portions to be paid now and automatically billed to your credit card on today's date each month through May (or December for the year long monthly payment plan). After May 1, payment in full is due when submitting your application and the options below do not apply. See below for details.
Payment Options for Paddlers:
1. Pay in full now ($300 total before May 1, $309.50 after that)
2. Pay monthly ($26.25 each) for the entire year (only available to individuals who complete their application in January)($315 total)
3. Pay in 4 monthly ($77.75 each) payments (available to individuals who complete their application in January or February)($311 total).
4. Pay in 3 monthly ($103.50 each) payments (available to individuals who complete their application in March)($310.50 total).
5. Pay in 2 monthly ($155 each) payments (available to individuals who complete their application in April)($310 total).
Payment Options for New BCS Paddlers, Associate Paddlers and Non-Paddlers:
1. Pay in full now (New BCS $100 / Associate Paddlers $150 total before May 1, $155 after that / Non-paddlers $100 total before May 1, $103.50 after that)
2. Pay in two equal installments this month and next month. Available January - April. $77.75 per month for Associate Paddlers, $52 per month for New BCS Paddlers and Non-Paddlers.
Email
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Company Name	Current or former role

Company Name	Name	Email

2025 Membership Form

Step 1 of 3

Personal Information

Annual Membership Dues

Crew Determination

Volunteerism

Liability

Liability for Youth Paddlers

Membership Benefits and Pledge

Emergency Contact Information

Payment and Next Steps